Flexible laminate structure with integrated one-way valve

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to a one-way valve for a flexible package which comprises a first film layer having at least one first cut line and a second film layer having at least one second cut line, wherein the lines are offset from one another. An adhesive layer is disposed between the film layers. The film layers and the adhesive layer define a valve area wherein the first film layer and the second film layer are not permanently adhered to each other. The second cut line fluidly connects the interior of the flexible package to the valve area and the first cut line fluidly connects the valve area to the ambient atmosphere surrounding the flexible package. The adhesive pattern within the valve area creates a gas flow channel from the second cut line toward the first cut line.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 17/371,426 filed Jul. 9, 2021, entitled “FLEXIBLELAMINATE STRUCTURE WITH INTEGRATED ONE-WAY VALVE”, which is acontinuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No.16/446,904, filed Jun. 20, 2019, entitled “FLEXIBLE LAMINATE STRUCTUREWITH INTEGRATED ONE-WAY VALVE”, wherein the foregoing are incorporatedby reference in their entirety herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to one-way valves that are integral toa flexible laminate structure and that are configured to allow gas tovent from within the package.

BACKGROUND

Packages can be used to store various types of products. In some cases,for example, a flexible laminate structure can be used to form apackage, such as a bag or a pouch, for holding a product that may, overtime, generate gas (e.g., outgas). For example, freshly roasted coffeemay have a tendency to off-gas carbon dioxide. Other products may alsoundergo a reaction over time within the package that results in thegeneration of gas. The products stored within the package may need to beprotected from the ingress of oxygen and/or moisture to promotefreshness and shelf-life and to maintain the quality of the contents foras long as possible, but also allow off-gassing of generated gasses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention described herein provide improved packagesfor storing products and associated methods for forming such packages,where the packages are designed to allow gas generated within thepackage to escape to the external environment (e.g., to minimize orprevent ballooning or other distortions of the package that may becaused by increasing gas pressure within the package) while at the sametime minimizing the amount of oxygen and/or moisture that is allowed toenter the package.

In some embodiments, for example, a flexible laminate structure for apackage is provided that includes an integrated one-way valve feature.The flexible laminate structure comprises a first film layer and asecond film layer laminated to the first film layer. The first filmlayer includes a first cut line and the second film layer includes asecond cut line offset from the first cut line. A valve area is definedin the laminate, where the valve area includes the first and second cutlines. In addition, the valve area comprises a viscous medium, such asoil, that is pattern-applied to at least one of the first or second filmlayers and is disposed between the first and second film layers so as tooccupy at least a portion of the valve area.

In an embodiment, the valve area is generally adhesive-free in the areaswhich contain the viscous medium, but comprises one or more adhesivezones which create specific de-gassing flow channels between the firstand second cut lines. The present invention provides one-way valveswhich are customizable. For example, the required opening pressure of avalve can be altered based upon the amount and disposition of theadhesive used and the size of the flow channels created.

Further, one-way valves which are adhesive-free within the valve arearesult in an unsupported valve portion of the bag/pouch structure,allowing the valve to open too easily, and resulting in an unwantedingress of oxygen. Use of adhesive within the valve area, as isdisclosed herein, reinforces the structure of the valve closure andbetter maintains the valve in a closed position. The resulting valve isreinforced in the closed position and provides a reduction in oxygeningress.

In an embodiment, the invention comprises a one-way valve for a flexiblepackage comprising a first film layer which comprises at least one firstcut line and a second film layer which comprises at least one second cutline, wherein the at least one second cut line is offset from the atleast one first cut line. An adhesive layer is disposed between thefirst and second film layer, wherein the first film layer, the secondfilm layer, and the adhesive layer define a valve area in which thefirst film layer and the second film layer are not permanently adheredto each other. The at least one second cut line fluidly connects aninterior of the flexible package to the valve area and the at least onefirst cut line fluidly connects the valve area to an ambient atmospheresurrounding the flexible package. An adhesive pattern is disposed withinthe valve area and creates a gas flow channel from the second cut linetoward the first cut line. An oil occupies the portions of the valvearea which are not adhered via the permanent adhesive.

In an aspect, at least one first cut line comprises a plurality ofarc-shaped cut lines arranged in a semi-circular pattern. In anotheraspect, the at least one second cut line comprises a plurality ofstraight lines. In still another aspect, the plurality of straight linesare disposed vertically beneath the semi-circle of the first cut line.In an aspect, the plurality of straight lines are vertical.

In some embodiments, the adhesive pattern comprises two patches ofadhesive. The adhesive patches may extend into the valve areahorizontally, from opposite sides of the valve area and create the gasflow channel between them. The adhesive patches may be continuous withthe adhesive layer defining the valve area. The adhesive patches maycomprise a first side and a second side, wherein the side which isclosest to the second cut line is angled to direct gas flow toward thefirst cut line.

In an embodiment, the adhesive patches may each comprise an elongatedsemi-ovular shape with a first elongated side and a second elongatedside, wherein the elongated side which is closest to the second cut lineis angled upwardly, wherein the upward angle is defined starting from anedge of the second elongated side at a perimeter of the valve area andmoving toward an end of the adhesive area nearest the channel. In anembodiment, the distance between a vertical midpoint of the valve areaand the edge of the second elongated side is approximately twice orexactly twice the distance between the vertical midpoint of the valvearea and the first elongated side. In an embodiment, the upward anglemay be between about 15° and 30°, with reference to the horizontalcenterline of the valve area. In an embodiment, the upward angle may beabout 20°, with reference to the horizontal centerline of the valvearea.

The adhesive patches may be disposed at least partially horizontallyoutwardly of the first and second cut lines and between the verticaldisposition of the first and second cut lines. The channel, in anembodiment, may be between about ¼ inch and ½ inch, in the dimensionbetween the patches of adhesive. Alternatively, the channel may be about⅜ inch, in the dimension between the patches of adhesive.

In an embodiment, the first film comprises the exterior layer of thepackage and the second film comprises the interior film of the package.In an embodiment, the adhesive pattern comprises one patch of adhesivewhich is surrounded, within the valve area, with an adhesive-freeregion. The patch of adhesive may be disposed such that the gas flowchannel extends around one or both sides of the patch of adhesive. Thevalve area may have a closed shape in some embodiments.

The invention also comprises a method for manufacturing a one-way valvefor a flexible package, the method comprising providing a first filmlayer, providing a second film layer, and pattern applying a permanentadhesive to one of the first or second film layer to adhere the layers,define a valve area by avoiding applying the adhesive to the valve area,and define at least one adhesive patch located within the valve area,wherein the at least one adhesive patch creates a gas flow channel. Themethod involves laminating the first film layer to the second film layerusing the adhesive, cutting at least one first cut line in the firstfilm layer, within the valve area, and cutting at least one second cutline in the second film layer, within the valve area. The at least onesecond cut line is offset from the at least one first cut line andwherein the gas flow channel is disposed between the first and secondcut lines. An oil is applied to the adhesive-free portions of the valvearea, between the first and second film layers. The laminated film isformed into a package wherein the at least one second cut line fluidlyconnects an interior of the flexible package to the valve area and theat least one first cut line fluidly connects the valve area to anambient atmosphere surrounding the flexible package.

The invention comprises another method for manufacturing a flexiblepackage having a one-way valve, the method comprising providing a firstfilm layer, providing a second film layer, determining a requiredopening pressure for the valve, and pattern applying a permanentadhesive to one of the first or second film layer to adhere the layers,define a valve area by avoiding applying the adhesive to the valve area,and define two adhesive patches located within the valve area, whereinthe adhesive patches create a gas flow channel between them, wherein thesize and configuration of the adhesive patches is selected based uponthe desired opening pressure for the valve. The first film layer islaminated to the second film layer using the adhesive and at least onefirst cut line is cut in the first film layer, within the valve area. Atleast one second cut line is cut in the second film layer, within thevalve area, wherein the at least one second cut line is offset from theat least one first cut line. The gas flow channel is disposed betweenthe first and second cut lines. An oil is applied to the adhesive-freeportions of the valve area, between the first and second film layers.The laminated film is formed into a package wherein the at least onesecond cut line fluidly connects an interior of the flexible package tothe valve area and the at least one first cut line fluidly connects thevalve area to an ambient atmosphere surrounding the flexible package.

In an embodiment, the method is adjustable such that a greater volume ofadhesive is pattern applied as the adhesive patches if a higher openingpressure is desired. Likewise, the method is adjustable such that alesser volume of adhesive is pattern applied as the adhesive patches ifa lower opening pressure is desired. In an embodiment, if the desiredopening pressure is between about 0.2 and 0.5 PSI, the adhesive patchesare configured to create a channel with a width of about ½ inch, asmeasured between the adhesive patches. In an embodiment, if the desiredopening pressure is between about 1.0 and 1.5 PSI, the adhesive patchesare configured to create a channel with a width of about ¼ inch, asmeasured between the adhesive patches. In another embodiment, if thedesired opening pressure is between about 0.5 and 1.0 PSI, the adhesivepatches are configured to create a channel with a width of about ⅜ inch,as measured between the adhesive patches.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the disclosure in general terms, reference willnow be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarilydrawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package having an integrated valveaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2A is a close-up view of the integrated valve of the package ofFIG. 1 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a close-up view of an alternative embodiment of an integratedvalve of the package according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a close-up view of an alternative embodiment of an integratedvalve of the package according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a close-up view of an alternative embodiment of an integratedvalve of the package according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 4A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a flexible laminatestructure with an integrated valve in a closed configuration accordingto an example embodiment;

FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-sectional view of the flexible laminatestructure of FIG. 3 with the integrated valve in an open configurationaccording to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternative flexiblelaminate structure with an integrated valve in a closed configurationaccording to an example embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6B are close-up views of alternative embodiments of atop/external cut line in an integrated valve of the package according toan example embodiment;

FIGS. 6C-6D are close-up views of alternative embodiments of abottom/internal cut line in an integrated valve of the package accordingto an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a close-up views of an alternative embodiment of adhesiveregions in an integrated valve of the package according to an exampleembodiment;

FIGS. 8A and 8B are close-up views of alternative embodiments of anintegrated valve of the package according to an example embodiment; and

FIGS. 9A and 9B are graphs illustrating the opening and closingpressures required to open and close inventive valves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which some but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

Packages can be used to hold a variety of products, including foodproducts and other products that may undergo a reaction over time thatgenerates gas. As an example, fresh roasted coffee has a tendency tooutgas (generate carbon dioxide). Other products may release gas overtime, as the product ages or is exposed to even minimal levels of oxygenor moisture as may enter the sealed package.

When such products are stored in a sealed container, there is a dangerthat the gas produced inside the package will build up. As a result, thepackage can become inflated and bulge outwardly, which may be unsightlyand/or deter a customer from purchasing the package. Furthermore, asmore and more gas accumulates within the package, the pressure insidethe package may rise to the level of bursting the package or affectingone or more of the seals of the package (e.g., before a consumer wishesto open the package).

At the same time, maintaining a good seal on the package is important toprotect the contents of the package from the external environment, suchas to prevent the ingress of atmospheric gas (e.g., oxygen and watervapor). The goals of allowing gas to escape from the package while atthe same time also preventing the unwanted ingress of gas/water vaporinto the package are, thus, seemingly diametrically opposed.

Conventional solutions include one-way valves that are adhesive freewithin the valve area. Such solutions, however, result in a region ofthe package (i.e. the valve region) that is structurally unsupported dueto the lack of adhesive. The valve area may flex and bend more than theremainder of the packaging due to the lack of support and, as a result,the valve may open and allow an unwanted ingress of oxygen. Further, theopening pressure of conventional one-way valves which are adhesive-freein the valve region cannot be adjusted.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide a flexiblelaminate structure for a package that includes an integrated one-wayvalve feature configured to allow gas generated within the package(e.g., carbon dioxide outgas) to be released to the externalenvironment, while at the same time maintaining the integrity of thepackage contents by preventing environmental elements from entering thepackage. Because the valve contains at least one region of adhesive, itis structurally more secure and is more likely to dispose the valve inthe closed position. In addition, the opening pressure of the inventivevalve can be customized based upon the container contents, need forventing, etc.

With reference to FIG. 1 , for example, a package 5 (e.g., a gussetedbag, pouch, or other flexible package) is shown that is designed to holda product that is prone to off-gassing, such as freshly roasted coffee.The package 5 may have a first end 10, upon which the package might restwhen placed on a surface, and a second end 12 opposite the first end. Insome cases, the product contained within the package 5 may only occupy aportion of the volume of the package, such that part of the inner volumeof the package closest to the second end 12 may be empty. The first end10 of the package 5 may be gusseted to accommodate a greater volume ofproduct within the package and/or to provide a more stable base on whichthe package can rest. The second end 12 of the package 5 may, in somecases, include a seal 15, such as a heat seal that is applied tomaintain the package contents inside the package and prevent atmosphericgas from entering the package prior to opening of the package.

In some embodiments, the flexible laminate that forms the package 5defines a valve area 20, sometimes referred to as a valve chamber. Forexample, the valve area 20 may be disposed proximate the second end 12of the package 5, such as in the empty region of the package. In thisway, the risk that the package contents will interfere with theoperation of the valve 20 can be minimized.

FIG. 2A shows a close-up view of an embodiment of the valve area 20 ofthe package 5. The valve area 20 may, in this regard, be defined toinclude a first cut line 25 defined in a first film layer 35 of thelaminate and a second cut line 30 defined in a second film layer 40 ofthe laminate. In some embodiments, the cut line 30 may comprise an inletfor gas from the interior of the packaging into the valve area 20 andthe cut line 25 may comprise an outlet for gas from the interior of thevalve area 20 out to the external atmosphere. In the view shown in FIG.2A, for example, the first film layer 35 forms the outer layer of theflexible laminate forming the package 5, whereas the second film layer40 forms an inner layer of the flexible laminate and is thus underneaththe first film layer.

Accordingly, the flexible laminate structure may comprise a first filmlayer 35 and a second film layer 40. The second film layer 40 may belaminated to the first film layer via an adhesive 50 (shown in FIGS. 4Aand 4B) that is pattern-applied to at least one of the first or secondfilm layers. The adhesive 50 may define a boundary around the valve area20, between the first film layer 35 and second film layer 40.

The first film layer 35 may include the first cut line 25, and thesecond film layer 40 may include the second cut line 30, which is offsetfrom the first cut line 25 (e.g., is spaced apart from the first cutline).

The adhesive layer 50 may define the boundary of the valve area 20, butmay also extend at least partially into the valve area 20 via adhesiveportion(s) 52. Adhesive layer 50 and adhesive portion(s) 52 of the valvearea 20 (discussed below) may comprise any adhesive known in the art. Inan embodiment, the adhesives may be permanent, pressure sensitive,strong, weak, or any other adhesive known to adhere laminated layers. Inan embodiment, the adhesive is a permanent adhesive.

In a particular embodiment, the first and/or second cut lines 25, 30 arecurved. In an embodiment, the first and/or second cut lines 25, 30 maybe curved in the same manner—i.e. they may each be convex or they mayeach be concave. In a particular embodiment, both cut lines 25, 30 areconvex.

In another embodiment, both cut lines 25, 30 are curved, but in oppositemanners. In this embodiment, one of the cut lines may be convex and theother cut line may be concave. In an embodiment, the cut lines 25, 30are generally aligned vertically or horizontally, within the valve area.In an embodiment, the second cut line 30 is disposed vertically beneaththe first cut line 25, in relation to the typical sitting position ofthe container. That is, if the container is a flexible pouch or bag thattypically sits or is designed to sit vertically upright, the termsvertical and horizontal, as used herein are used in relation to thatdesigned positioning of the container.

In an embodiment, the radius of curvature of one of the cut lines isdifferent from and/or is greater than that of the other cut line. Insome embodiments, the first cut line 25 is disposed inwardly from theperimeter of the valve area and mimics the curvature of the perimeter ofthe valve area. In this embodiment, the valve area 20 may be generallycircular or ovular in nature. Any shape, however, is possible for thevalve area 20. For example, the valve area 20 may be square,rectangular, triangular, elongated, or may have an entirely irregularshape. In an embodiment, the valve area 20 has a closed shape.

In an embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6A-B, for example, one or both of thecut lines 25, 30 may be interrupted cut lines. In FIG. 6A, the cut line25 may comprise two, three, or more interrupted curved or arched lines.That is, each individual line which makes up the cut line 25 may becurved or may be shaped as an arc. The plurality of arc-shaped lines maycomprise a half-circular or semi-circular pattern which is, in effect,the cut line 25. The length D1 of each portion of interrupted cut line25 may be between about 0.1 and 0.3 inches. In a particular embodiment,the length D1 of each portion of interrupted cut line 25 may be betweenabout 0.13 and 0.25 inches. In an embodiment, the length of each portionof interrupted cut line 25 may be equivalent to the distance between thevarious interrupted portions of cut line 25. The distance D2 between thevarious interrupted portions of cut line 25 may be, in an embodiment,between about 0.1 and 0.2 inches. In a particular embodiment, thedistance D2 between the various interrupted portions of cut line 25 maybe between about 0.125 and 0.135 inches.

In a specific embodiment, the radius of curvature of the second cut line30 is greater than that of the first cut line 25. In this way, thesecond cut line 30 may direct any gas formed within the package moreefficiently toward the first cut line 25. In this embodiment, thecurvature of the second cut line 30 may point toward the first cut line25. Any configuration known in the art for the cut lines 25, 30 may beutilized. For example, the cut lines 25, 30 may be straight lines,waves, angled lines, bent lines, v-shaped, u-shaped, or any other shapeknown in the art.

In an embodiment, the cut line 30 may comprise two, three, or moreinterrupted curved or arched lines. That is, each individual line whichmakes up the cut line 30 may be curved or may be shaped as an arc. Theplurality of arc-shaped lines may comprise a half-circular pattern whichis, in effect, the cut line 30. The number of cut lines which comprisethe cut line 30 may be different or the same as the number of cut lineswhich comprise the cut line 25.

In an embodiment, the cut lines 30 may be different in shape from thecut lines 25. For example, FIGS. 6C and 6D illustrate alternativeembodiments of cut lines 30. In this embodiment, cut line 30 comprisesmultiple vertical cut lines. Any number of cut lines 30 may be utilized.In an embodiment, between two and twenty cut lines 30 are utilized. In aparticular embodiment ten cut lines 30 are utilized.

In an embodiment, the plurality of cut lines 30 are disposed such thatlengthwise, they extend toward the cut line(s) 25. That is, a first endor a second end of the plurality of cut lines 30 extends toward cut line25, so as to direct flow of gas toward cut line 25.

In an embodiment (shown in FIG. 6C), cut lines 30 are vertical, equallyspaced from one another and equal in length. In another embodiment, cutlines 30 are vertical, equally spaced from one another, but the linesnearest the horizontal midpoint of the lines are longer in length thanthe other lines. For example, FIG. 6D illustrates cut lines 30 asvertical, equally spaced from one another, but the two lines nearest thehorizontal midpoint of the entirety of the cut lines 30 are longer inlength than the other lines.

The length D3 of each portion of cut line 30 may be between about 0.5and 0.75 inches. In a particular embodiment, the length D3 of eachportion of interrupted cut line 30 may be between about 0.55 and 0.65inches. In an embodiment, the length of each portion of interrupted cutline 30 may be equivalent to the distance between the variousinterrupted portions of cut line 30. The distance D4 between the variousinterrupted portions of cut line 30 may be, in an embodiment, betweenabout 0.5 and 0.75 inches. In a particular embodiment, the distance D2between the various interrupted portions of cut line 30 may be betweenabout 0.55 and 0.65 inches.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6D, the length D5 of the longer cutlines 30 may be between about 0.1 and 0.15 inches. In a particularembodiment, the length D5 of the longer cut lines 30 may be betweenabout 0.12 and 0.13 inches. In an embodiment, the longer cut lines 30may be twice the length or about twice the length of the shorter cutlines 30. In an embodiment, the longer cut lines 30 may be verticallycentered within the shorter cut lines 30. That is, there may be equallengths of the longer cut lines 30 above and below the length of theshorter cut lines 30.

Within the valve area 20, at least one region of adhesive 52 and atleast one adhesive-free region 54 is present. The examples shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate two regions of adhesive 52 with thesurrounding region of the valve area 20 being adhesive-free 54. Theexamples shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B each illustrate one region of adhesive52 with the surrounding region being adhesive-free 54.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, two areas of adhesive 52are shown. The adhesive areas 52 may be symmetrical, in an embodiment.In an embodiment, one adhesive region 52 is disposed on the left sideand one adhesive region 52 is disposed on the right side of the valvearea. In an embodiment, the adhesive regions 52 may be continuous withthe adhesive layer 50 which adheres the first film layer 35 and thesecond film layer 40.

In an embodiment, the adhesive areas 52 are disposed such that a channel56 is created between at least two adhesive areas 52, wherein thechannel allows the flow of gasses between the cut lines 25 and 30. Thus,in this embodiment, the channel 56 may be disposed between at least twoadhesive areas 52 and between the two cut lines 25, 30. In anembodiment, the channel 56 is centered between at least two adhesiveareas 52 and between the two cut lines 25, 30. The adhesive areas 52 mayextend into the valve area 20 horizontally, from opposite sides of thevalve area 20 and create the gas flow channel 56 between them.

In an embodiment, the width D6 of the channel 56, between the adhesiveareas 52, may be between about ¼ inch and about ½ inch in a dimension,such as width. In an embodiment, the width D6 of the channel 56, betweenthe adhesive areas 52, may be approximately ⅜ inch.

In an embodiment, the adhesive regions 52 are located generally betweenthe cut lines 25, 30. This may comprise adhesive regions 52 beingvertically centered or horizontally centered between the cut lines 25,30. In some embodiments, the adhesive region 52 may be both verticallyand horizontally centered between the cut lines 25, 30. In otherembodiments, the adhesive regions 52 may be disposed at least partiallyhorizontally outwardly of the cut lines 25, 30 but between the verticaldisposition of the cut lines 25, 30.

In an embodiment, the adhesive areas 52 are semi-circular, semi-ovular,or semi-elliptical. In an embodiment, the adhesive areas 52 may beelongated semi-circles, semi-ovals, or semi-ellipses. In thisembodiment, the curvature of the semi-circle, semi-oval, or semi-ellipsemay aid in forcing any gasses to move from cut line 30, through thechannel 56, and to cut line 25.

In a particular embodiment (shown in FIG. 7 ), the adhesive areas 52 maybe angular on one or more sides. For example, the adhesive areas 52 maybe shaped generally as an elongated semi-oval, but may have a firstelongated side 53 which is disposed parallel to the horizontalcenterline of the valve 20. The second elongated side 55 of the adhesivearea 52 may be disposed at an angle A1 as compared to the horizontalcenterline of the valve 20. In an embodiment, the angle A1 may bebetween about 10° and 45°, as compared to the horizontal centerline ofthe valve 20. In another embodiment, the angle A1 may be between about15° and 30°, as compared to the horizontal centerline of the valve 20.In a particular embodiment, the angle A1 may be about 20°, as comparedto the horizontal centerline 51 of the valve 20 or absolute horizontal.

In an embodiment, the angle A1 of the second side 55 may direct gassesfrom cut line 30 and toward cut line 25. That is, the angle A1 of thesecond side 55 may be a downward angle, starting from the middle(vertical and horizontal) of the valve area 20 toward the edge 57 of thesecond side 55. The angle A1 of the second side 55 may be an upwardangle, starting from the edge 57 of the second side 55 (where theadhesive area 52 meets the remainder of the adhesive layer 50; at ornear the perimeter of the valve area 20) and moving toward the end 59 ofthe adhesive area 52 nearest the centerline 51 of the valve 20. In anembodiment, each of two adhesive areas 52 comprise an elongatedsemi-ovular shape with a first elongated side 53 and a second elongatedside 55 and wherein the elongated side which is closest to the secondcut line 30 is angled upwardly, wherein the upward angle is definedstarting from the edge 57 of the second elongated side 55 at theperimeter of the valve area 20 and moving toward the end 59 of theadhesive area 52 nearest the horizontal center of the valve area 20 orthe channel 56.

The edge 57 of the adhesive area 52 nearest cut line 30 may be furtherfrom the centerline 51 of the valve 20 (horizontal or vertical, as thecase may be) than is the end 59 of the adhesive area 52 nearest channel56.

In an embodiment, the distance D8 between the centerline 51 of the valve20 and the edge 57 of the adhesive area 52 nearest cut line 30 may beapproximately twice or exactly twice the distance D7 between thecenterline 51 of the valve 20 and the first side 53 of the adhesive area52. For example, the distance D8 between the centerline 51 of the valve20 and the edge 57 of the adhesive area 52 nearest cut line 30 may beapproximately 0.240 inches and the distance D7 between the centerline 51of the valve 20 and the first side 53 of the adhesive area 52 may beapproximately 0.125 inches. In another embodiment, the distance D8between the vertical midpoint of the valve area 20 and the edge 57 ofthe adhesive area 52 along the perimeter of the valve area 20 andnearest cut line 30 may be approximately twice or exactly twice thedistance D7 between the vertical midpoint of the valve area 20 and thefirst side 53 of the adhesive area 52.

It should be understood that the adhesive areas 52 should not be limitedto the shapes discussed herein and can take any shape known in the art,such as triangles, squares, rectangles, or irregular shapes.

FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate various examples of cut lines 25, 30 optionsand adhesive areas 52 of differing dimensions, providing channels 56 ofvarying sizes and width. For example, the cut lines 25 shown in FIG. 8Aeach comprise two curved interrupted portions. The cut lines 25 in FIG.8B comprise three curved interrupted portions. The cut lines 30 in FIG.8A shown ten equally sized and dimensioned vertical cut lines. The cutlines 30 in FIG. 8A shown ten vertical cut lines, each the same distancefrom one another, but the two vertical lines 30 in the center beinglonger than the other lines. The adhesive areas 52 are shown as havingvarious distances from each other, creating channels 56 of varyingdistances. It should be understood that these various cut lines,adhesive areas, channels, and other features may be combined in anymanner known in the art and need not be combined in these particularmanners.

As noted, a gas passage channel 56 may be disposed through the center ofthe valve 20, between the cut lines 25, 30. In an embodiment, the onlyway in which gasses may escape the package is to travel from cut line30, through the channel 56, to cut line 25. In this embodiment, the sizeof the channel may be altered based upon the size and disposition of theadhesive areas. For example, if the adhesive areas 52 are larger, thechannel 56 is smaller and it becomes more difficult for gasses to passthrough the channel 56. Accordingly, a higher opening pressure isrequired to allow the valve to open and gas to pass therethrough.

Likewise, if the adhesive areas 52 are not necessarily larger but aredisposed more closely together (i.e. closer to the center of the valvearea 20), the channel 56 is smaller and it becomes more difficult forgasses to pass through the channel 56. Accordingly, a higher openingpressure is required to allow the valve to open and gas to passtherethrough.

If, however, the adhesive areas 52 are smaller or have a greaterseparation between them, the channel 56 is larger and it becomes easierfor gasses to pass through the channel 56. Accordingly, a lower openingpressure is required to allow the valve to open and gas to passtherethrough.

In an embodiment, if the desired opening pressure is between about 0.2and 0.5 PSI, two adhesive patches may be configured to create a channelbetween them with a width of about ½ inch, as measured between theadhesive patches. If the desired opening pressure is between about 1.0and 1.5 PSI, the adhesive patches may be configured to create a channelwith a width of about ¼ inch, as measured between the adhesive patches.If the desired opening pressure is between about 0.5 and 1.0 PSI, theadhesive patches may be configured to create a channel with a width ofabout ⅜ inch, as measured between the adhesive patches. It should beunderstood that if opening pressures above or below those recited aredesired, the adhesive patch(es) may be adjusted to provide larger orsmaller channels. In an embodiment, a greater or lesser volume ofadhesive may be applied to the first or second film layer to accomplishthe variable adhesive patch sizes.

In an embodiment, the adhesive areas 52 do not extend to the center ofthe valve area 20. In an embodiment, the adhesive areas 52 aresymmetrical. In other embodiments, the adhesive areas 52 may beasymmetrical. In an embodiment, the channel 56 between cut lines 25 and30 is a straight line.

In some embodiments (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B), the adhesive 52 isdiscontinuous from the adhesive layer 50 which otherwise adheres thefirst film layer 35 and the second film layer 40. That is, the valvearea 20 may be adhesive free 54 in all areas surrounding a patch ofadhesive 52. In an embodiment, the adhesive 52 may comprise a circle,oval, or ellipse. Likewise, however, the adhesive 52 may comprise anyshape known in the art, such as a triangular shape, square shape,diamond shape, arrow shape, elongated angled arms, or the like.

In this embodiment, one or more channels 56 are created around one ormore sides of the adhesive 52. When gas passes through cut line 30, itis forced around the adhesive 52 patch before it can exit the valve atcut line 25. A smaller patch of adhesive 52 will allow an easier escapeof gas and a lower opening pressure requirement, whereas a larger patchof adhesive 52 will require a greater opening force in order for thevalve to open because the gas is forced around a larger patch ofadhesive. Thus, varying the size of the adhesive 52 will allow the userto adjust the required opening force for the valve 20.

In some embodiments, the region of adhesive 52 may be disposed directlybetween the location of the cut lines 25, 30. In this embodiment, theadhesive 52 may block what would otherwise be a direct path (i.e.straight line) between the cut line 30 and the cut line 25. In thisembodiment, gases are forced through the channel(s) 56 as an alternativeto the direct route between the cut lines.

In some embodiments, the adhesive patch 52 may be symmetrical. In otherembodiments, the adhesive patch 52 may be asymmetrical. In someembodiments, the adhesive patch 52 may be smaller than, substantiallysimilar in size to, or larger than the cut lines 25 or 30. In anembodiment, the adhesive patch 52 may be generally disposed in thecenter of the valve area 20. In an embodiment, the adhesive patch 52 mayextend outwardly from the center of the valve area 20, to be at leastcoextensive with the length of the cut line 25 or the cut line 30. In anembodiment, the adhesive patch 52 may extend outwardly from the centerof the valve area 20, such that it is longer than the cut line 25 or thecut line 30. In an embodiment, the adhesive patch 52 may extendoutwardly from the center of the valve area 20, and is smaller thanlength of the cut line 25 or the cut line 30.

In other embodiments, the adhesive patch 52 may not be centered withinthe valve area 20 and/or between the cut lines 25, 30. In thisembodiment, the adhesive patch 52 may be offset from the center of thevalve area 20 such that escaping gasses must pass around just one sideof the adhesive patch 52. In still another embodiment, escaping gassesmay pass around both sides of the adhesive patch 52, but the patch 52may be designed to force the gasses more dominantly around one side orthe other. For example, an offset ovular patch may allow gasses to passaround both of its sides, but due to the offset nature, may favor gassespassing on primarily one side.

A cross-section of an exemplary valve area 20, as taken along line A-Aof FIG. 2A, is shown in FIG. 4A in a closed position and in FIG. 4B inan open position. With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the valve area 20includes the first and second cut lines 25, 30, such that the first andsecond cut lines are contained within a perimeter of the valve area 20.

The valve area 20 may be an area of the flexible laminate that is devoidof adhesive 50 adhering the first and second film layers 35, 40 to eachother but for the adhesive zone 52. In this way, the perimeter of thevalve area 20 may be the interface between an area including adhesive 50and an area devoid of permanent adhesive but for the adhesive zone(s)52.

The valve area 20 may comprise a viscous medium, such as oil 60, that ispattern-applied to at least one of the first or second film layers 35,40 and is disposed between the first and second film layers so as tooccupy at least a portion of the valve area 20. The oil 60 may, forexample, be silicone oil in some cases. The oil 60 may likewise behydrocarbon oil, glycerin, polyhydric alcohol (polyol), water or otherappropriate lubricant that may temporarily yield when a predeterminedopening pressure differential exists between the interior pressure andthe ambient pressure surrounding the flexible package.

The presence of the oil 60 may encourage the opposing surfaces of thefirst and second film layers 35, 40 (e.g., the surface of each filmlayer that is adjacent to or most proximate the other film layer) tomaintain contact with each other (with the oil disposed therebetween) byvirtue of the viscosity and/or surface tension of the oil, such that theintegrated valve is biased towards the closed position shown in FIG. 4Awhen the pressure inside the package is below a certain thresholdpressure. For example, in some embodiments, the volume of oil 60disposed between the first and second film layers 35, 40 is selectedsuch that the valve opens when the pressure inside the package justexceeds the atmospheric pressure outside the package. An example of adesirable range of pressures inside the package for moving the firstlayer 35 towards the open position shown in FIG. 4B may be approximately0.1 psi to approximately 1.5 psi.

In addition, when the atmospheric pressure outside the package is stillslightly above the pressure inside the package, the valve should beconfigured to move from the open position to the closed position shownin FIG. 4A so as to seal and prevent gas and/or moisture from enteringthe package. In some embodiments, the valve is configured such that adesirable range of atmospheric pressures outside the package for movingthe first layer 35 towards the closed position shown in FIG. 4A isapproximately 0.05 psi to approximately 0.5 psi, but in any case is lessthan the pressure required inside the package to open the valve.

FIG. 5 discloses a cross-section of an exemplary valve area 20, as takenalong line B-B of FIG. 3A. As can be seen in FIG. 5 , the direct routebetween cut line 30 and cut line 25 is blocked by adhesive patch 52.Accordingly any escaping gasses must traverse around the adhesive 52 inorder to move between line 30 and

In some embodiments, an opposing surface of at least one of the first orsecond film layers 35, 40 may further include a surface treatmentconfigured to decrease an amount of surface energy between the first andsecond film layers in the valve area. The surface energy may becharacterized as the amount of energy required to adhere the opposingsurfaces of the first and second film layers 35, 40 to each other. Thus,while the addition of the oil 60 in the valve area 20 between theopposing surfaces of the first and second film layers 35, 40 serves toincrease the surface energy of the interface between the opposing filmsurfaces, the resulting surface energy may be too great to allow thevalve to open at the desired pressure level of the package interior. Theinclusion of the surface treatment for at least one of the opposingsurfaces of the first and second film layers 35, 40, however, maycounteract the increased adhesion force imparted by the oil 60, therebyreducing the surface energy to a level that allows the valve to be movedfrom the closed configuration to the open configuration when a desiredlevel of pressure is achieved within the package.

In some embodiments, for example, the surface treatment may comprise atleast one of a printed ink, a coating, or a texture that is applied toone or both of the opposing surfaces of the first and second film layers35, 40. The surface treatment (e.g., the printed ink, coating, ortexture) may serve to create bumps or ridges that extend from thesurface of the respective film layer 35, 40 that is treated toward theopposing surface of the other film layer.

Accordingly, the surface energy of the interface between the first andsecond film layers 35, 40 may be decreased due to the reduced contactarea between the two film layers. For example, instead of substantiallythe entire opposing surface of the first film layer 35 in the valve areacontacting substantially the entire opposing surface of the second filmlayer 40 in the valve area, in which case the surface energy would be ata maximum, the ridges created by the surface treatment in someembodiments may reduce the contact area to the sum of the areas overwhich each of the ridges contacts the corresponding locations of theopposing surface of the respective film layer. The inventors have foundthat the smaller the contact area, the less energy is required toseparate the first and second film layers 35, 40, and the less internalpackage pressure is needed to move the valve from the closedconfiguration to the open configuration. Accordingly, the type ofsurface treatment, the number of ridges created, and/or the amount ofinherent separation between the first and second film layers 35, 40caused by the extension of the ridges may be selected to achieve adesired surface energy that results in the opening of the valve at thedesired package pressure. In addition, the pattern of the ridges may beselected to further tune the opening and closure of the valve, dependingon the requirements of the package. In some cases, the thickness of thesurface treatment (e.g., thickness of the coating used), the roughnessimparted by the surface treatment (e.g., based on the chemical makeup ofthe surface treatment), and the location of the surface treatment mayalso affect the resulting surface energy.

The flexible laminate structure may include first and second film layers35, 40 made of various different materials, depending on the particularapplication (e.g., depending on the type of product stored in thepackage). The first and/or second film layers 35, 40 may, for example,include a polymer. In some embodiments, for example, one of the first orsecond film layers 35, 40 may comprise polyethylene terephthalate (PET).In other embodiments, one of the first or second film layers 35, 40 mayinclude oriented polypropylene (OPP). Other materials that may be usedfor the first or second film layers 35, 40 may include Polyethylene(PE), metal foil (e.g., aluminum), metallized oriented polypropylene(mOPP), metallized polyethylene terephthalate (mPET), and co-polymerpolypropylene (CPP), to name a few. Accordingly, typical laminatestructures may include, for example, PET/Foil/PE, PET/Foil/PET/PE,PET/mPET/PE, PET/mOPP/PE, OPP/mOPP/PE, PET/PE, OPP/PE, OPP/OPP, OPP,mOPP, PET/CPP, and PET/Foil/CPP.

In this regard, in some cases, the flexible laminate structure describedabove may be made using a first or second film layer 35, 40 (or both)that includes two or more sub-layers. One or both of the first andsecond film layers 35, 40 may, for example, be a 2-ply film, a 3-plyfilm, a 4-ply film, or include additional plies, depending on theparticular application (e.g., depending on the type of product to bestored in the package), with some example structures as noted above.Sub-layers having different characteristics (e.g., differentthicknesses, different materials, etc.) may be used in some cases toachieve certain oxygen and/or moisture transmission rates, so as topromote the freshness and/or shelf life of the product stored in thepackage. For example, the first film layer 35 may be a single-ply layerof PET, whereas the second film layer 40 may be a 3-ply film withsub-layers of foil/PET/PE.

Methods of manufacturing a flexible laminate structure for a packageincluding an integrated one-way valve feature are also provided.According to embodiments of the methods, a first film layer may belaminated to a second film layer via a pattern-printed adhesive that isapplied to at least one of the first or second film layers, as describedabove. The adhesive patches within the valve area which define the gaschannel(s) may also be pattern applied at this stage.

A first cut line may be defined in the first film layer, and a secondcut line may be defined in the second film layer, where the first andsecond cut lines are offset with respect to each other. The cut linesmay be defined in the flexible laminate after the first and second filmlayers have been laminated to each other, such as by using precisionscoring techniques. In this way, the manufacture of the integrated valveis simplified as compared to conventional methods of providing a valveon packaging, in which a separately-formed valve must be attached to theflexible laminate at a predefined location.

In this regard, the first and/or second cut lines may be made in variousways, such as via a laser. As an alternative to the use of lasers forscoring the laminate, the cut lines can be formed in the laminate bymechanical scoring or cutting. For instance, a kiss roll and a backingroll may be used to form a nip through which the laminate is passed. Thekiss roll may comprise a rotary cutting die defining a cutting edge thatis configured to define the first and/or second cut lines.

As the first and second film layers are laminated to each other, an areaof the laminate is left devoid of the permanent adhesive so as to definethe valve area, with the exception of the adhesive patch(es). Asdescribed above, the first and second cut lines are defined within thevalve area, such that the valve area includes the first and second cutlines. In addition, oil may be pattern-applied to at least one of thefirst or second film layers in the area of the laminate devoid of thepermanent adhesive.

As described above, the first and second film layers may comprisedifferent materials, such as PET, OPP, or other polymer materials, aswell as non-polymer material such as aluminum foil. Moreover, at leastone of the first or second film layers may comprise two or moresub-layers.

In a particular embodiment, the method comprises determining the openingforce that is required for a particular packaging application andsetting the size and configuration of the adhesive patch based upon therequired opening force. For example, if a greater opening force shouldbe required, a greater amount of adhesive may be used for the adhesivepatch. Similarly, if a lesser opening force is required, a lesser amountof adhesive may be used for the adhesive patch.

The following examples describe various embodiments of the presentinvention. Other embodiments within the scope of the claims herein willbe apparent to one skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification or practice of the invention as disclosed herein. It isintended that the specification, together with the examples, beconsidered to be exemplary only, with the scope and spirit of theinvention being indicated by the claims which follow the examples. Inthe examples, all percentages are given on a weight basis unlessotherwise indicated.

Example 1

Table 1 illustrates experimental data obtained during a 72-hour testingphase for the inventive valves. Four packaging structures weretested—the first one with no valve, the second having a valve with noadhesive patch (i.e. devoid of adhesive), the third having a ½ inchchannel (shown in FIG. 2B), and the fourth having a ¼ inch channel(shown in FIG. 2A).

The percentage of oxygen in the headspace was measured after 72 hours,indicating a release of gas from within the container into the containerheadspace above the valve (if present). This testing was repeated sixtimes. One outlier was identified, the 4^(th) sample using the valveshown in FIG. 2B. This sample was believed to have a leak and wasremoved from the testing data set.

TABLE 1 72 Hours Samples Valve Design 1 2 3 4 5 6 Mean Median StDev NoValve 4.87 3.57 12.8 11.2 8 5.49 7.655 6.745 3.695612 Valve - NoAdhesive 19.9 19.9 19.7 20 19.8 20 19.88 19.9 0.116905 FIG. 2B (½″Channel) 8.26 7.52 11.9 N/A 5.72 7.79 8.24 7.79 2.262039 FIG. 2A (¼″Channel) 3.27 11.4 5.86 3.41 8.26 4.42 6.10 5.14 3.190001

As can be seen, the headspace of the containers having valves withoutadhesive in the valve area comprised approximately 20% oxygen, which isconsistent with atmospheric pressure. In contrast, the pressure withinthe headspace of the containers comprising the valves shown in FIG. 2Bcomprised about 8.24% oxygen. The pressure within the headspace of thecontainers having the valves shown in FIG. 2A comprised about 6.1%oxygen over the same time period. Accordingly, the inventors haveconcluded that the valves shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B provided asignificant reduction in the oxygen transmission rate over a similarlyconfigured valve with no adhesive in the valve area. Similarly, thevalve shown in FIG. 2A provided a reduction in the oxygen transmissionrate over that of the valve shown in FIG. 2B.

Example 2

Table 2 illustrates data from a similar test, but conducted over a 7-dayperiod. Two outliers were identified, the 2nd and 3rd sample using thevalve shown in FIG. 2A. These samples were believed to have leaks andwere removed from the testing data set.

TABLE 2 7 Day Samples Valve Design 1 2 3 4 Mean Median StDev No Valve3.31 3.71 6.66 N/A 4.56 3.71 1.829617 Valve - 19.8 20 19.8 N/A 19.9 19.80.11547 No Adhesive FIG. 2B 6.7 N/A N/A 8.84 7.77 7.77 1.513209 (½″Channel) FIG. 2A 3.97 6.85 4.5 N/A 5.10 4.5 1.532851 (¼″ Channel)

As can be seen, the headspace for valves which contained no adhesivewere measured to have about 20% oxygen over the course of 7 days. Incontrast, the oxygen percentage in the headspace for the valves shown inFIG. 2B was about 7.8% oxygen over the same time period. The oxygenpercentage in the headspace for the valves shown in FIG. 2A comprisedabout 5% oxygen over the same time period. Accordingly, the inventorshave concluded that the valves shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B provide asignificant reduction in the oxygen transmission rate over a similarlyconfigured valve with no adhesive in the valve area. Similarly, thevalve shown in FIG. 2A provided a reduction in the oxygen transmissionrate over that of the valve shown in FIG. 2B.

Example 3

Table 3 illustrates data from a similar test, but conducted over a17-day period. One outlier was identified, the 2nd sample using thevalve shown in FIG. 2A. This sample was believed to have a leak and wasremoved from the testing data set.

TABLE 3 17 Day Samples Variable 1 2 3 4 Mean Median StDev No Valve 6.54.37 3.29 3.15 4.3275 4.37 1.633371 Valve - No Adhesive 19.9 19.9 19.9N/A 19.9 19.9 0 FIG. 2B (½″ Channel) 17.2 9.34 7.68 N/A 11.40667 9.345.085365 FIG. 2A (¼″ Channel) 4.51 N/A 4.57 N/A 4.54 4.54 0.042426

As can be seen, the oxygen percentage in the headspace for the valveswhich contained no adhesive released comprised approximately 20% oxygenafter 17 days, which continued to be consistent with atmosphericpressure. In contrast, the oxygen percentage in the headspace for thevalves shown in FIG. 2B comprised about 11% oxygen over the same timeperiod. The oxygen percentage in the headspace for the valves shown inFIG. 2A comprise about 4.5% oxygen over the same time period.Accordingly, the inventors have concluded that the valves shown in FIGS.2A and 2B provide a significant reduction in the oxygen transmissionrate over a similarly configured valve with no adhesive in the valvearea. Similarly, the valve shown in FIG. 2A provided a reduction in theoxygen transmission rate over that of the valve shown in FIG. 2B.

Example 4

In this example, the opening and closing pressures of the valve shown inFIG. 2B and the valve shown in FIG. 2A were tested three times. FIGS. 9Aand 9B illustrate these results and the average of the testing. Theopening pressure required to open the valve shown in FIG. 2B wasmeasured, on average, at between about 0.3 and 0.45 PSI (graph in FIG.9A). In contrast, the opening pressure required to open the valve shownin FIG. 2A was measured, on average, at between about 1.0 and 1.1 PSI(graph in FIG. 9B). Thus, significantly greater opening pressure wasrequired to open the valve set forth in the valve shown in FIG. 2A, ascompared to the valve shown in FIG. 2B.

The illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and other variations arecontemplated where the first and/or second film do not have either asingle linear score or a plurality of linear scores that are arrangedparallel to each other. Other variations are contemplated so long as thenecessary operation of the one-way valve is achieved when the flexiblepackage buckles and deforms.

A flexible package may be formed with a one-way valve of the invention.The one-way valve may also be useful in rigid plastic or metalcontainers for food products, such as coffee, having a flexible peelablemembrane seal adhered to a rim surrounding an open end of the container.A valve structure in accordance with the present disclosure may beformed in the membrane seal that will act as a seal to the container.

Many other modifications and other embodiments of the inventions setforth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A one-way valve for a flexible package, the one way valve comprising:a first film layer which comprises at least one first cut line; a secondfilm layer which comprises at least one second cut line, wherein the atleast one second cut line is offset from the at least one first cutline; an adhesive layer disposed between the first and second filmlayer, wherein the first film layer, the second film layer, and theadhesive layer define a valve area in which the first film layer and thesecond film layer are not permanently adhered to each other, wherein theat least one second cut line fluidly connects an interior of theflexible package to the valve area and the at least one first cut linefluidly connects the valve area to an ambient atmosphere surrounding theflexible package, wherein an adhesive pattern is disposed within thevalve area and creates at least one gas flow channel from the second cutline toward the first cut line; and an oil occupying the portions of thevalve area which are not adhered via the permanent adhesive.
 2. Thevalve of claim 1, wherein the at least one second cut line comprises aplurality of straight lines.
 3. The valve of claim 2, wherein theplurality of straight lines are disposed vertically beneath thesemi-circle of the first cut line.
 4. The valve of claim 3, wherein theplurality of straight lines are vertical.
 5. The valve of claim 1,wherein the first film comprises the exterior layer of the package andthe second film comprises the interior film of the package.
 6. The valveof claim 1, wherein the valve area has a closed shape.
 7. The valve ofclaim 1, wherein the adhesive pattern comprises one patch of adhesivewhich is surrounded, within the valve area, with an adhesive-freeregion.
 8. The valve of claim 7, wherein the patch of adhesive isdisposed such that the at least one gas flow channel extends around bothsides of the patch of adhesive.
 9. The valve of claim 7, wherein thepatch of adhesive is disposed such that the at least one gas flowchannel extends around one side of the patch of adhesive.
 10. The valveof claim 7, wherein the adhesive patch is symmetrical.
 11. The valve ofclaim 7, wherein the adhesive patch is asymmetrical.
 12. The valve ofclaim 7, wherein the adhesive patch is disposed in the center of thevalve area.
 13. The valve of claim 7, wherein the adhesive patch isoffset from the center of the valve area.
 14. A method for manufacturinga one-way valve for a flexible package, the method comprising: providinga first film layer; providing a second film layer; pattern applying apermanent adhesive to one of the first or second film layer to adherethe layers, define a valve area by avoiding applying the adhesive to thevalve area, and define at least one adhesive patch located within thevalve area, wherein the at least one adhesive patch creates a gas flowchannel; laminating the first film layer to the second film layer usingthe adhesive; cutting at least one first cut line in the first filmlayer, within the valve area; cutting at least one second cut line inthe second film layer, within the valve area, wherein the at least onesecond cut line is offset from the at least one first cut line andwherein the gas flow channel is disposed between the first and secondcut lines; applying an oil to the adhesive-free portions of the valvearea, between the first and second film layers; and forming thelaminated film into a package wherein the at least one second cut linefluidly connects an interior of the flexible package to the valve areaand the at least one first cut line fluidly connects the valve area toan ambient atmosphere surrounding the flexible package.
 15. A method formanufacturing a flexible package having a one-way valve, the methodcomprising: providing a first film layer; providing a second film layer;determining a required opening pressure for the valve; pattern applyinga permanent adhesive to one of the first or second film layer to adherethe layers, define a valve area by avoiding applying the adhesive to thevalve area, and define one adhesive patch located within the valve area,wherein the adhesive patch creates a gas flow channel, wherein the sizeand configuration of the adhesive patch is selected based upon thedesired opening pressure for the valve; laminating the first film layerto the second film layer using the adhesive; cutting at least one firstcut line in the first film layer, within the valve area; cutting atleast one second cut line in the second film layer, within the valvearea, wherein the at least one second cut line is offset from the atleast one first cut line and wherein the gas flow channel is disposedbetween the first and second cut lines; applying an oil to theadhesive-free portions of the valve area, between the first and secondfilm layers; and forming the laminated film into a package wherein theat least one second cut line fluidly connects an interior of theflexible package to the valve area and the at least one first cut linefluidly connects the valve area to an ambient atmosphere surrounding theflexible package.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the method isadjustable such that a greater volume of adhesive is pattern applied asthe adhesive patch if a higher opening pressure is desired.
 17. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the method is adjustable such that a lesservolume of adhesive is pattern applied as the adhesive patch if a loweropening pressure is desired.
 18. The method of claim 15, wherein theadhesive is applied in the center of the valve area.
 19. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the adhesive is applied offset from the center of thevalve area.
 20. The method of claim 15, wherein the adhesive is appliedin a symmetrical pattern.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein theadhesive is applied in an asymmetrical pattern.